Why did I decide to host the Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia (HAHAT)?

Well, that’s easy. Because it’s the right thing to do.

But then it gets tricky. What can I say or do as an individual who is not gay/lesbian (I’m bi) and never had any wish to be other than the gender I was born with?

Not everyone is built the same or loves traditionally.

And sometimes, all you want to do is fulfill what you know/understand/accept to be what you need to be, regardless of who you love and what sex your body should be. There are those that are born with both genders and society wants them to pick. But, what if you can’t, or don’t, want to pick? Or you need time to make that decision like so many transitioning people who feel they are in the wrong body?

Below is a video someone showed me on Facebook not to long ago. It inspired me to create this post.
It is almost 19 minutes long but I think it is well worth finishing it. He has probably one of the best description/definition for sexual identity and orientation that I’ve heard. They are not the same and it really opens your eyes to understand those that have a different sexual identity and/or sexual orientation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtkJlqTCPNU

Then look at the comments and see that even here there is hate. That needs to change.
It opened my eyes to the reality of transgenders and I hope you learned something too.

So, I offer my blog to dedicate to, and provide, change by participating in the HAHAT blog hop for awareness: One blog post at a time.
Because you never know when one person reaching out would make a difference.

Eloreen

I am giving away a $5 Gift Certificate to an e-Retailer of the winner’s choice to buy that must-have LGBT title on your “to be read” list. 🙂

To enter, comment on this post your story of Homophobia and/or Transphobia. Inspire us with your courage, perseverance, and understanding. It doesn’t have to be about you personally. If it does not have a happy ending, consider this a hug of love and that things will get better because awareness is spreading. It only takes one person to change the world: Even if that world is your local neighborhood, or a blog post on the internet. 🙂

Contest will end at 11:59 pm EDT 5/27/2014 and a randomly chosen commentator (random.org) will win within the next day.
I will be contacting the winner via email and posting the name as well.

Thank you for providing the link and the interesting post. I don’t believe I’ve ever been discriminated against for my sexual orientation so I don’t have a story to tell for that but I have been discriminated against for my race and/or way I’ve looked.

Very interesting post, Eloreen. Thanks for taking part.
Another thing people seem to want is for bisexual people to pick a side. As much as people can’t accept that some people are gay/lesbian/transgender, they can’t wrap their heads around bisexuality at all. And bisexuals get heat from both sides. It’s sad

Thanks so much for the link. It was encouraging and a little depressing at the same time. My son is transgender F to M. I always knew he was different, but it took him years to find a name for it. I’d give anything if we could go back and start the kind of treatment the dr on the video has instead of my son have to suffer for years before he was able to finally figure it out. He’s in transition, but it’s going to be so much harder for him than for these special children. It’s about time!

I have not been discriminated against for my straight orientation – however people can be cruel concerning my size. Not physically hurtful as gay bashing, but the emotional hits can be devastating if I let them – which I don’t.

I haven’t been discriminated against for my orientation, but it is hard to get everyone (family included) to understand my love of M/M romances and support of the LGBT community. My hubby has been wonderful, everyone else… not so much.wendynjason04@gmail.com

Great post, El ❤ I loved the video and had to share it on Facebook. Very interesting. Though I believe that being a bi woman you might have an even more interesting perspective than if you were only either one. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙂

I have always believed that all have the ability to make a difference. That’s what is also precisely the message you tried to give. I just loved your post for your thoughts that are so much in line with mine. Also, I took part in this hop to spread awareness too.

Great post. my wife and I have fought bigotry because we are a same sex couple, and each of us individually for our sexual orientation. My wife is bisexual and she understands the whole chose a side thing. I have also received emails from women who have told me that they would be better for me because they were lesbian and not bi. She faces just as much intolerance as I do and as we as a couple do.

Congratulations lenagrey! Previous winner did not have an email and did not respond to my winner post. I will email and post as well. Please respond with which eRetailer of LGBT books you would like the $5 GC. Thanks!